A Mill Worker's Tragedy in Ballard
A workplace accident leaves a struggling young family in crisis.
P. F. Wilson, an employee of the Stimson Mill Company at Ballard, had his hand badly smashed yesterday afternoon while running a carriage in the mill. Dr. Rinehart amputated the hand just above the wrist, being assisted by L. C. Medille, of North Seattle, and D. H. Channel, of Portland. Wilson is 28 years old and has a family. He is a worthy man, but is poor. His wife is now sick in the hospital in this city and they have an infant 2 months old.
“He is a worthy man, but is poor. His wife is now sick in the hospital in this city and they have an infant 2 months old.”
Workplace injuries in the Pacific Northwest timber industry were frequent and often devastating, with little in the way of a social safety net to support families. This report reflects the era's focus on 'worthiness' and charity as the primary solutions to catastrophic industrial accidents.
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